Multi-Sectional Tent Structures

ABSTRACT

A multi-sectional tent structure system using interconnectable tent sections or modules is disclosed that allows users to configure the shape and size of a tent system and configuration for a wide variety of uses and applications. The multi-section tent structure comprises at least two modules or tent sections that are connectable by removably attaching one side panel of a module to a side panel of a separate module. The connecting elements may be one or more of hook and loop sections, a zipper, a plurality of snaps or buttons, or pole elements within loops or sleeves. The separate modules may be of different sizes and/or different configurations and shapes. The ready connection and separation of tent sections allows users to expand or reconfiguration tent modules and systems to accommodate varied needs, including separate rooms or expanded tent structures.

BACKGROUND

Tents and tent-type structures are widely used in a very broad spectrum of applications. Indeed, tents are used for a multitude of activities including applications such as camping, beach time, sun protection, wind and rain protection, play tents, pet enclosures, and even shower or changing enclosures. Depending upon the design and covering, such structures and coverings provide protection from wind, rain, and, especially in the beach environment, protection from the sun and ultraviolet light. One important feature for most all tent structures used in an outdoor temporary setting is that the structure must be readily portable so that it can be transported to where it will be used, and readily storable when not in use. A further feature often demanded by users is flexibility of the tent structure for different uses.

To date, most tent structures are predominantly single structure housings. Such tents or housing are limited in that, no matter what size the housing or tent is, there is limited ability to separate activities within the tent. For example, a family on a camping trip could not easily provide a separate sleeping area for children except through the assembly and pitching or setting up of one or more separate tents. Even with such setting up of separate tents, the result is just that: separate tents; separate areas. The desire for flexibility of a tent or series of tents is simply lacking.

For many users, and for many applications, users may wish to be able to customize the size, configuration, and shape of the tent structure depending upon the users' particular needs or activities. For example, in addition to the camping example noted above, sometimes the need may be for a smaller single person or child's tent; and at other times, there may be a need for a larger, multi-person configuration and structure, or even for a separate changing area or privacy area, or safe enclosure for one or more pets. While some designs provide for some flexibility with respect to the structure and size of the tent, such size and configuration flexibility is very limited, and generally does not provide any means for flexibility in the configuration or structure.

Many different types of tent-type structures and assembly systems have been created and commercialized to address some of these concerns and issues. While there have been many such designs, and indeed, new designs continue to evolve, none appear to provide an optimal or even widely accepted solution for a tent module design that is readily reconfigurable with respect to configuration and size of the tent modules, and still retains features of being lightweight, easily transported, readily storable, easily assembled, and easily disassembled.

One example of such a prior art system includes U.S. Pat. No. 7,316,238 for a Tent With A Repositionable Floor, by Sumner. The Sumner '238 patent, discloses a tent having a repositionable floor, with the floor preferably including a pair of subpanels that mate together and form a water-resistant seam, and further where the subpanels can be repositioned within the interior of the tent or exteriorly of the tent. The Sumner patent however does not disclose or teach any modular aspect of any side panels of the tent to allow full customization of the tent size and shape.

Accordingly, it would be useful to have a multi-sectional, multi-module tent structure and system, that allows for complete customization of the tent structure and system by the user in a rapid and easy assembly procedure. Such customization should include the ability to readily interconnect modules to form different tent configurations having different tent module areas that may be separated or divided, but are still or may be readily interconnected into a single structure. Moreover, the tent modules should be lightweight, and in the disassembled or folded configuration, be easy to store and transport. Such a multi-sectional, multi-module tent structure and system having detachable modules does not appear to have been designed, developed, or commercialized that satisfactorily meets each of these criteria. While certain of these problems may be addressed by one or more examples of the prior art, a complete solution to all of these problems does not appear to have been specifically designed or used in the relevant prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art and fulfills the needs described above by providing a modular tent structure that includes a plurality of side panels that may be detached from each other, or added to the structure to provide for a wide variation of tent configurations and shapes for varied uses.

One preferred embodiment of the invention is a modular tent system, comprising at least two interconnectable tent modules, with each at least two interconnectable tent modules having a plurality of side panels, wherein each of said at least two interconnectable tent modules have at least one of said plurality of side panels with a first interconnecting section that is removably interconnecting with a second interconnecting section on a separate interconnectable tent module.

A second preferred embodiment of the invention is an expandable modular tent system, comprising a plurality of interconnectable modules, with each of said plurality of interconnectable modules having a plurality of side panels, and wherein each of said plurality of interconnectable modules have at least one of said plurality of side panels with an interconnecting element that is removably interconnecting with an interconnecting element and side panel on a separate interconnectable module.

A third preferred embodiment of the invention is an expandable modular tent system, comprising a plurality of interconnectable modules as described above, and further comprising a roof or top cover, and/or a floor or bottom cover.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention is an expandable modular tent system, comprising a plurality of interconnectable modules as described above, and further comprising in one or more of the side panels, one or more doors, windows, or similar type openings to allow access between adjacent modules.

A still further preferred embodiment of the invention is an expandable modular tent system, comprising a plurality of interconnectable modules as described above, wherein the modules have dissimilar shapes, configurations, and sizes, to provide users with wide flexibility in the creation of their desired multi-sectional, multi-module tent system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, consistent element numbers refer to such elements in different figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective or isometric front view of an embodiment of the inventive multi-section tent structure having two connected modules, with each module having six side panels.

FIG. 2 is a perspective or isometric front view of an embodiment of the inventive multi-section tent structure having two separated modules, with each module having six side panels.

FIG. 3A is a perspective or isometric front view of an embodiment of the inventive multi-section tent structure having two connected modules, with each module having six side panels, and showing a clear pathway between the two modules.

FIG. 3B is a detailed perspective front-top view of an embodiment of the inventive multi-sectional tent structure showing embodiments of interconnecting elements.

FIG. 3C is a detailed perspective front-top view of another embodiment of a module interconnecting element using a pole and sleeves.

FIG. 4 is a perspective or isometric front view of an embodiment of the inventive multi-section tent structure having three connected modules, with each module having six side panels.

FIG. 5 is a perspective or isometric front view of an embodiment of the inventive multi-section tent structure having four connected modules, with each module having six side panels.

FIG. 6 is a perspective or isometric front view of an embodiment of the inventive multi-section tent structure having two different size modules, with each module having six side panels.

FIG. 7 is a perspective or isometric front view of an embodiment of the inventive multi-section tent structure having two different size and shape modules.

FIG. 8 is an overhead view of an embodiment of the inventive multi-sectional tent structure showing hinging and overlaying of module side panels to provide a clear pathway between the modules.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

A modular, customizable tent structure and sectional tent system is disclosed. At its core, the modular tent structure and system 10, as illustrated in one embodiment in FIG. 1 , is comprised of two or more interconnectable and detachable modules 20, 21. The modules or sectionals 20, 21 are formed having a plurality of side panels 100. In an embodiment, each module 20, 21 has at least one side panel 100 that incorporates an interconnecting section or element 200 that allows a module 20 to be removably attached to and connected to at least one other module 21. More particularly, as shown in one embodiment in FIG. 2 , module 20 is attached to module 21 at the respective side panels 100. The interconnection between module 20 and module 21 is accomplished through use of each respective module 20, 21 interconnecting elements 200 that are part of the respective side panels 100 or the respective modules.

As further detailed in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the interconnecting elements 200 may be positioned along the edges of the side panels 100, and may be configured as one or more of different forms of fasteners. Examples of such interconnecting elements 200, as shown in FIG. 3B, may include hook and loop textile material or strips, snaps, buttons, magnets, and/or zippers. A further embodiment of interconnecting elements may be, as shown in FIG. 3C, a pole or rod 210 that slides into and through a plurality of sleeves 211, where the sleeves are attached to the respective side panels 100 of the modules 20, 21 being interconnected.

In further configurations and embodiments, illustrating the flexibility and benefits of the modular tent structure and system 10, FIGS. 4 and 5 show additional module 22, 23 interconnections, and additional tent system 10 configurations with three and four modules, respectively. As shown, the configuration, shape, and size of the tent system 10 that may be created by users is essentially limitless. FIG. 4 shows a configuration with three modules 20, 21, 22 interconnected along a line, while FIG. 5 shows a configuration with four modules 20, 21, 22, 23 interconnected to each other, similar to a nest or hive. The FIG. 5 tent system 10 configuration is an illustration where the modules 20, 21, 22, 23 have multiple, not single, interconnection sections with adjacent modules. In the FIG. 5 embodiment, modules 20 and 21 have three side panels 100 with corresponding interconnection elements 200 that allow for module 20 and 21 to connect to each other, and to modules 22 and 23. Similarly, modules 22, 23 each have two side panels 100 with corresponding interconnection elements 200 that allow for modules 22 and 23 to connect to modules 20 and 21.

While the modules 20, 21, 22, 23 are shown as being identical or consistent sizes and configurations, in different embodiments, the tent system 10 may be assembled using different size and/or different configuration modules. As shown in FIG. 6 , module 24 has a similar configuration (a hexagon shape) as module 25, but module 25 has different size. More particularly, module 25 is shorter in height than module 24. Illustrating the flexibility of the tent system 10, FIG. 7 shows a module 26 that has different configuration than interconnecting module 27. More particularly, module 26 is a hexagon configuration while module 27 is a square or cube configuration. So long as the side panels 100 of the modules have the interconnecting elements 200, any size or configuration module may be connected to a separate module, and thereby assemble and create a system of multi-sectional tents 10.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the modules may be configured in most any shape or size. By way of partial example, the modules may have overhead cross-sectional shapes of a triangle, square, rectangle, pentagon, hexagon, octagon, and so on. Similarly the modules may have different sizes, including variations in height, length or width. By design, with varied shapes and sizes for the modules, the multi-sectional tent system 10 provides users with essentially limitless options and opportunities to assemble and build tent systems that meet their varied needs and desires. Such user needs and desires could include having different rooms for different uses, such as sleeping areas, changing areas, child areas, and so on.

Given the intended option to connect separate modules, and thereby provide separate uses for the connected modules, there may still be a further need or desire to allow for partial or completely open access between connected modules. For example, in certain embodiments, the side panels 100 that connect to each other using the interconnecting elements 200 may each incorporate one or more windows or doors that allow users to have access an adjacent module.

The incorporation and use of such window and door openings, provides users a wide variety of design options for configuring and building their multi-sectional tent systems 10. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, and 5 , modules 20, 21, 22, 23 may be formed such that the side panel 100 includes a door 300. In one embodiment, the door 300 may be readily rolled up towards the top of the side panel to allow open access into the respective module, or between connected modules. Similarly, should the user wish to separate the connected modules and/or provide some privacy, the door 300 may be unrolled and closed. Such a closure mechanism for the door 300 could be one of a zipper or hook and loop textile materials.

An example of a window 400 incorporated into a side panel 100 is also shown in one embodiment in FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 4, 5, 6 and 7 . In the embodiment shown, the window 400 may be formed as part of the side panel 100 as a clear section and/or as an openable section. Similar to the door 300 configuration, the window 400, can be readily folded or rolled up and out of the way of the side panel 100. With the side panels 100 being manufactured with one or more windows 400, wind and air flow is allowed pass into the tent, but still provide a high level of protection from sand or other wind-blown objects. Such windows 400 further allow users to see out of, or into the module, and further allow users to see into or out of connected modules. The tent module side panels 100 may also be configured with flexible shades that can be positioned over the windows to provide some privacy and to further block wind.

In a similar fashion, one or more cutouts may be incorporated into the flexible cover 90, for example near the top of the cover 90 to allow for release of air pressure when wind blows into the tent structure 10 thereby helping to maintain the tent structure from inadvertently ballooning like a parachute, and moving when the wind blows and catches within the tent opening.

A further embodiment allows for complete opening and access between adjacent modules, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 8 . Such a configuration allows for one edge of a side panel 100 to be separated from the edge of the adjacent side panel 100. Once the one edge of the side panel is released, then that side panel 100 may be hinged or rotated such that the side panel stacks in front of an adjacent side panel 100 as shown in the overhead FIG. 8 view. With the hinging open of both module side panels, the adjacent modules 20, 21 are fully open to each other as shown in FIG. 3A.

In further embodiments, the multi-sectional tent system 10 may also include a separate roof or top panel 500 and/or a floor or bottom panel 600, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 . The roof or floor panel may be easily connected to the module side panels 100 top or bottom, respectively, using similar interconnecting elements 200 as described above to connect each the side panel to each other. More particularly, the floor or roof panels may be attached to the module side panels 100 through use of one or more interconnecting elements 200 including hook and loop textiles, buckles, snaps, tie strings, buttons and button holes, or any other similar type of fastening mechanism.

The construction of the side panels may be flexible, such as a flexible covering or cover 90 that is shaped into a side panel 100 through use of a structurally resilient rib 91, as shown in FIG. 3B. In such an embodiment, the side panel may be configured using at least one structurally resilient rib 91 forming a contiguous side panel shape. The flexible covering or cover 90 may be attached to the rib 91 by sewing the edge of the cover around the rib 91. With such an attachment process, the shape of the cover 90 may be used to form the rib 91 into a particular desired shape for the tent structure 10 side panel. In an alternative embodiment, the side panel 100 may be manufactured from a lightweight material that has enough rigidity that a rib 91 is not required to form the side panel 100 shape.

For the embodiment using a flexible cover 90, such cover may be manufactured from most any type of lightweight, flexible textile, such as nylon ripstop or similar types of polyester fabrics. Alternative and additional materials that may be used to manufacture the cover 90 include polyester, canvas, polyethylene, flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC), as well as other flexible textiles, synthetic plastic polymers, and poly-type materials.

In order to balance strength, durability, and weight, the ribs 91 may be manufactured from any type of resilient thermoplastic or composite material. With the ribs 91 being manufactured from a resilient thermoplastic, each side panel 100, and in turn, the entire multi-module tent structure and system 10 may be easily collapsed or folded into a compact size for transport and storage. More particularly, in addition to being fully flexible in terms of configuring and customizing the size and shape of any tent structure, the design of the multi-module tent system, and in particular ability to collapse and stack the side panels 100 on top of each other provides ease of disassembly, folding, transport and storage.

The folding or collapsing of each module 20, 21, 22, 23 is easy and intuitive. The user can simply separate each module from the other interconnected modules, and then simply collapse or rotate adjacent side panels 10 to overlay each other. To assist with the transport and storage of the stacked side panels 10, and stacked modules 20, 21, 22, 23, further ties or securing elements 95 may be used to secure or hold the stacked side panels and stacked modules to each other. The ties or securing elements 95 may be one or more of clips, buttons, snaps, or other similar type of securing mechanism.

When fully collapsed, the multi-sectional tent system 10 is fairly compact, and the collapsed modules may be placed within a storage bag or sack (not shown) to be used to hold the collapsed modules and stacked side panels 100.

The multi-sectional and module tent system 10 may also include pockets or bags (not shown) for use to weigh down or provide ballast to the modules. For example, at the beach, sand can be easily placed in the bag sections, whereas for use with camping or non-beach activities, stones or a plurality of smaller rocks can be placed in the bag sections or pockets to provide additional weight or ballast. When it is time to collapse and transport the multi-module tent system 10, the sand, stones, or small rocks may be readily removed from the bag sections, and disassembly or folding is easily achieved. For additional positional support and stability, the ends of the leg sections of the tent structure can be anchored to the ground with removable stakes (not shown).

The drawings and disclosed embodiments are but a limited set of examples of how the inventive multi-sectional, multi-module tent structure and system 10 may be configured and used. Uses for such a tent structure and system 10, are as noted limitless. Uses may include, without limitation, beach, camping, and other outdoor activities, such as use within a garden, at sporting events, a party shelter, a reading spot, a safe enclosure for pets, a leisure/quiet place, and/or set up and used by various commercial entities such as temporary covered spots by restaurants, spas, or resorts.

While preferred embodiments of the inventive multi-sectional tent structure and system 10 have been described and disclosed, in particular by reference to certain figures and exemplary embodiments relating to particular shapes, sizes, and configurations for the interconnecting modules, such embodiments and designs for the tent structures and systems 10, are not to be construed as limiting the scope of application of the inventive devices or systems. For example, as described and claimed, the multi-sectional tent structure and system 10 may be configured, as shown, using different sizes and shapes for the modules. Such variations to the modules and the module side panels may include smaller dimensions, or larger dimensions, or side panels having multiple doors or windows incorporated into the modules and side panels. All such alternate embodiments are deemed to be within the scope of the inventive design and below claims.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that other modifications, substitutions, and/or other applications are possible, and all such modifications, substitutions and applications are within the true scope and spirit of the present invention. It is likewise understood that the above disclosure and attached claims are intended to cover all such modifications, substitutions, and/or applications. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular tent system, comprising: at least two interconnectable tent modules, with each at least two interconnectable tent modules having a plurality of side panels, wherein each of said at least two interconnectable tent modules have at least one of said plurality of side panels with a first interconnecting section that is removably interconnecting with a second interconnecting section on a separate interconnectable tent module.
 2. The modular tent system, as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least two interconnectable tent modules further comprises a top cover attachable to said plurality of side panels of said at least one of said at least two interconnectable tent modules to form a roof cover for said tent module.
 3. The modular tent system, as described in claim 1, wherein each of said at least two interconnectable tent modules are a similar size and shape.
 4. The modular tent system, as described in claim 1, wherein at least two of said at least two interconnectable tent modules are a dissimilar size or dissimilar shape from each other.
 5. The modular tent system, as described in claim 1, wherein said first and second interconnecting sections are at least one of a hook and loop textile tape, a zipper, a plurality of snaps, a plurality of buttons, a pair of attracting magnets, a pole and loop, a pole and sleeve.
 6. The modular tent system, as described in claim 1, wherein each of said at least two interconnectable tent modules are a polygon shape.
 7. The modular tent system, as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least two interconnectable tent modules has at least one integral openable door.
 8. The modular tent system, as described in claim 1, wherein at least one of said at least two interconnectable tent modules has at least one integral openable window.
 9. The modular tent system, as described in claim 1, wherein said side panel with said first or second interconnecting section has an openable door allowing internal access between the two interconnected tent modules.
 10. The modular tent system, as described in claim 1, wherein said side panel with said first or second interconnecting section is detachable on at least one vertical edge to allow said first or second interconnecting section to be hinged and overlay an adjacent side panel.
 11. The modular tent system, as provided in claim 1, wherein said at least two interconnecting tent modules are at least partially manufactured from a synthetic plastic polymer including at least one of a polyethylene material and a polyvinyl chloride material.
 12. An expandable modular tent system, comprising: a plurality of interconnectable modules, with each of said plurality of interconnectable modules having a plurality of side panels, and wherein each of said plurality of interconnectable modules have at least one of said plurality of side panels with an interconnecting element that is removably interconnecting with an interconnecting element and side panel on a separate interconnectable module.
 13. The expandable modular tent system, as described in claim 12, wherein at least one of said plurality of interconnectable modules, further comprising a top cover.
 14. The expandable modular tent system, as described in claim 12, wherein said interconnecting elements are at least one of a hook and loop textile tape, a zipper, a plurality of snaps, a plurality of buttons, a pair of attracting magnets, a pole and loop, a pole and sleeve.
 15. The expandable modular tent system, as described in claim 12, wherein each of said plurality of interconnectable modules are a polygon shape.
 16. The expandable modular tent system, as described in claim 12, wherein at least two of said at least two interconnectable modules are a dissimilar size or dissimilar shape from each other.
 17. The expandable modular tent system, as described in claim 12, wherein at least one of said plurality of interconnectable modules has at least one integral openable door.
 18. The expandable modular tent system, as described in claim 12, wherein at least one of said plurality of interconnectable modules has at least one integral openable window.
 19. The expandable modular tent system, as described in claim 12, wherein said side panel with an interconnecting element has an openable door allowing access between two attached interconnected modules.
 20. The expandable modular tent system, as described in claim 12, wherein said side panel with said interconnecting section is detachable on at least one vertical edge to allow said interconnecting section to be hinged and overlay an adjacent side panel.
 21. The expandable modular tent system, as described in claim 12, wherein said plurality of interconnecting modules are at least partially manufactured from a synthetic plastic polymer including at least one of a polyethylene material and a polyvinyl chloride material. 